What to do after so many attempts?

Question

Hi everyone,

I have given both GMAT and GRE but am nowhere near my target score. I am not sure how to go ahead from here.

I started my GMAT (classic) prep last year August. My first cold mock was 480 (Q31, V25). I appeared for GMAT classic in December and got 680 (Q48, V35).

However, GMAT exam changed to the focus edition after January. So, I had to work hard on DI. My first attempt of GMAT focus was 535 (Q81, V78, DI70).

I studied for a few months and gave the GMAT focus in August only to get 605 (Q81, V82, DI77).

After this, I thought I'd try GRE since quant will be easier. I was so wrong! I studied for the GRE for a month but got 310 (Q156, V154)!!

I am already applying to colleges with 680 but I really want to improve my score in a 1-2 months so that I could update my score to these colleges.

What do you I should do? Now, I'm wondering that improving verbal on GRE is tougher than I had thought and I won't know what happened with quant unless I get the official report.

Should I try another GMAT attempt in 2 months or so?

bb   @  ScottTargetTestPrep  , @  MartyTargetTestPrep  , @  KarishmaB  , @  EMPOWERgmatRichC   , @  GMATNinja  , @  StaceyKoprince

GmatKnightTutor · Answer

Including/mentioning the scores you're targeting could be helpful. If you mention what you feel is holding you back, people may provide some specific suggestions as well. For RC, for example, becoming familiar with how inference questions work could be useful.

thelady02 · Answer

Thank you for answering. I’m aiming for 655+. I’m not sure what is holding me back but I’m sure test anxiety is a reason because I do questions right when practising but not under timed exam conditions.

Posted from my mobile device

hkalabdu · Answer

Given what you mentioned regarding test anxiety, I highly recommend mimicking strictly the exam style.

Taking a mock the same time you would take the actual exam, with same conditions, and exposing yourself to the pressure of time and fatigue of answering different adaptive questions quickly.

This will pay you a huge dividend during the exam day where you would feel it just another practice test that I have done multiple times

Best of luck

ScottTargetTestPrep · Answer

Hi thelady02,

I think you have a really solid GRE score actually! The issue is that you need to put more time into your prep, than just one month. So, to be honest, I think sticking with the GRE is a good call.

thelady02 · Answer

Thanks for answering.

I was hoping to give another gmat attempt in 2 months. I think I am more familiar with gmat and gre verbal is tough to crack for me.

Posted from my mobile device

EducationAisle · Answer

I don't have a suggestion for you; just wanted to congratulate you on the massive 200 point improvement that you were able to achieve in GMAT! In my career as an instructor, I have seen very very few students able to achieve this quantum of improvement.

For a Q48 on GMAT, a Q156 on GRE seems to be quite low actually.

For a Q48 on GMAT, a Q156 on GRE seems to be quite low actually.

	Manhattan Prep: $99 Bonus Score Higher on Your GMAT Exam. Guaranteed.
	Target Test Prep - Save up to $599 $400 Discount + $99 Bonus GMAT Club Tests
	e-GMAT: 60% Off on GMAT Focus Get to 735+ from any starting point
	Magoosh increases your score, guaranteed - 15% off ALL Magoosh GMAT plans with code GMATCLUB15 + Free GMAT Club Tests.
	Experts' Global - ~~$1720~~ $960 End-to-End GMAT Prep + App Support: 150+ Videos, 2000+ Questions, 15 FLTs +
	GMATWhiz - $299 ~~$499~~ Experience the course through a free trial.
	GMAT Club Tests - Free Included with every course purchase of $149+ View all deals

What to do after so many attempts?

Prep Toolkit

Top 5 GMAT Debrief Videos

615 to 715 in 15 Days (Ria's Strategies)

More than Quant/Verbal Abilities: Speed vs. Accuracy

745 with Only Self-Prep and GMAT Club

From 555 to 765: 210-point Improvement

Perfect 805 Score Debrief by Julia

My Rewards